Standings day gecko

Appearance

''Phelsuma standingi'' is among the largest extant species of day geckos. It can reach a maximum total length of 28 centimetres . The body colour can be quite variable, depending on light intensity. It can be brownish grey or bright green or turquoise with grey to blue reticulated markings on its body and head. The head and tail are often turquoise. Hatchlings have a yellowish green head and typical light bands and bars on their backs.

It is a sexually dimorphic species. In the males the cloacal area has very pronounced preanal pores and a bulge in the area of hemipenis. In many females two endolymphatic chalk sacs, located on each side of the neck, are well-developed, while in males usually they are just barely visible. These sacs store calcium, which is needed for the formation of egg shells.

Naming

The generic name, ''Phelsuma'', is a Latinized version of the last name of Dutch physician Murk van Phelsum. The specific name, ''standingi'', is in honor of another physician, Doctor Herbert F. Standing of Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Distribution

''Phelsuma standingi'' is restricted to the arid southwest of Madagascar, specifically the region around Andranolaho, Sakaraha and in the Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park. This area has a unique thorn forest vegetation. The daytime temperature never drops under 20 °C and between January and December, the temperature can be as high as 40 °C in the shade. In July and August, the night temperature can drop to 13 °C .

Behavior

Strictly an arboreal species, ''P. standingi'' lives in pairs on trees, spending a lot of time basking in the sun on the highest and well exposed branches. The males are very territorial and will fight when in the presence of other males; females have this character towards other females, a behavior which is rather rare in geckos.

Habitat

''Phelsuma standingi'' is restricted to the arid southwest of Madagascar, specifically the region around Andranolaho, Sakaraha and in the Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park. This area has a unique thorn forest vegetation. The daytime temperature never drops under 20 °C and between January and December, the temperature can be as high as 40 °C in the shade. In July and August, the night temperature can drop to 13 °C .

Reproduction

''P. standingi'' is oviparous. At a temperature of 28 °C , the young will hatch after approximately 60–70 days. The juveniles measure 80 mm and reach sexual maturity after one year.

Food

Standing's day gecko feeds on various insects, invertebrates, and even smaller lizards. It is omnivorous however, supplementing its prey with soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.